The Incarnation

Words: Rev. H. R. Bramley

Music: Traditional

Source: Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old, Second Series (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., 1871), Carol #26

1. The great God of Heaven is come down to earth,
His Mother a Virgin, and sinless His Birth;
The Father eternal His Father alone:
He sleeps in the manger; He reigns on the Throne.

Chorus
Then let us adore Him,
And praise His great love,
To save us poor sinners
He came from above.

2. A Babe on the breast of a maiden he lies,
Yet sits with the Father on high in the skies;
Before Him their faces the Seraphim hide,
While Joseph stands waiting, unscared, by His side. Chorus

3. Lo here is Immanuel, here is the Child,
The Son that was promised to Mary so mild;
Whose power and dominion shall ever increase,
The Prince that shall ruin o'er a kingdom of peace. Chorus

4. The wonderful Counsellor, boundless in might,
The Father's own Image, the Beam of His Light;
Behold Him now wearing the likeness of man,
Weak, helpless, and speechless, in measure a span. Chorus

5. Oh l wonder of wonders, which none can unfold;
The Ancient of days is an hour or two old;
The Maker of all things is made of the earth,
Man is worshipped by angels, and God comes to birth. Chorus

6. The Word in the bliss of the Godhead remains,
Yet in flesh comes to suffer the keenest of pains;
He is that He was, and for ever shall be,
But becomes that He was not, for you and for me. Chorus

Sheet Music from Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old (London: Novello, Ewer & Co., ca 1871)

 

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